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Adobe Lightroom vs Picasa

Managing your digital images can be a full-time job if you don’t have the right software tools supporting you. Two top programs that are considered for digital media management today are Adobe Lightroom and Picasa.

In the Adobe Lightroom vs Picasa debate, it is important to recognize that each platform has a different purpose. Lightroom is designed more for photography and digital media editing, improvement, and sharing. Though Picasa also has some minor editing functions, its main purpose is to share the images – especially if you happen to have a Google account.

Here are some of the additional key comparisons between these two digital media tools that are worth considering.

1. Image Management

Adobe Lightroom allows you to work with the raw data from virtually any image file format. This allows you to improve the image in a way that gives it an authentic appearance because you’re not working with compressed information. You can also convert the files that your camera or image collection software generates into an open source format for images if you prefer.

Picasa will only edit a file that is saved in a JPEG format. If you give it a digital image file, then it will automatically convert the raw image into a JPEG file before it is even displayed for editing. This means you cannot use the raw information contained in the photograph because Picasa has already compressed it for you. You do have the option with Picasa to create, organize, and edit photo albums in a familiar context. The process is similar to that of Facebook’s photo management system.

So if you need to actually edit and improve your photos, Lightroom is the only platform that really gives you the option to do so. If storage is what you’re primarily concerned about, the Picasa offers a comprehensive solution to consider.

2. Metadata Management

Adobe Lightroom gives you access to a complete set of metadata with your digital images and photographs. This includes the ability to add geographic information, authorship, and a specific description of the picture. You’ll also have the standard geotags and keywords that can be incorporated into the metadata as well.

Picasa takes more of a minimalist approach to metadata, partially as an automatic privacy measure to prevent people from oversharing. You can see the EXIF information and add geotags and/or keywords if you wish in both IPTC and XMP formats. It will also integrate data into Google Maps.

3. Editing

Adobe Lightroom offers a number of editing algorithms that are based off of their Photoshop suite of tools. This allows users to modify images in a number of different ways, including shadows, lens profiles, and noise reduction. If you shoot raw images, then you can also correct lens problems that may be on the image.

Picasa incorporated the editing profiles that came from their Nik software integration. These editing options are pretty standard when compared to any photo management program or online tool. You can improve the basics, add warmth by shift contrast, and use tools that are similar, such as brightness.

4. Cost

Adobe Lightroom can be obtained as part of a Creative Cloud Photography subscription for $9.99 per month. This gives you access to Lightroom and a full version of Photoshop.

Picasa offers users up to 1 GB of photo and video storage for free. Paid plans go up to 16 TB for storage if needed. Pricing begins at $5 per year on the paid plans, which provides up to 20 GB of storage.

Google does require users to sign a privacy policy to use Picasa, which means the terms and conditions allow for the company to access subsets of any information that you store on the Cloud by using this photo storage and editing tool. This includes using your photos or videos for marketing purposes or potentially using the metadata from your saved photos to create targeted services.

5. System Requirements

Both Adobe Lightroom and Picasa can be used on virtually any operating system, PC, laptop, and mobile device. As long as you have access to the internet or have a mobile data connection, then you’ll be able to take advantage of the benefits each photo management and editing software platform is able to provide.

In the Adobe Lightroom vs Picasa debate, the decision is about editing vs storage. Do you need to modify your images? Or are you looking to improve your images and store them in a safe place off-site so they can always be accessed? If you need the former, then Lightroom is a better option. If you need the latter, then Picasa might be the better choice.

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